The facelift, dare i?

[katerogers]

When I was 40 I promised myself that when I couldn't tell where my face left off and my neck began I would get a facelift. Well, I just turned 60 - the first birthday that has really bothered me, by the way - and, as predicted, I have been graced with a second, spare, chin. Personally, I would have no problem admitting to having work done, but, I know some women would rather run naked through every neighborhood in the Villages before admitting to it - although probably only those who have had everything lifted would be willing to go to that length to keep their secret.

Anyway, I'm hoping this post might prompt those who are proud of their new look might come forward to educate me and others about the realities of having a facelift - the good stories and bad. Now that the time has come to put my money where my extra chin is I find my feet are freezing up.

Katie

[Parker]

Don't know a thing about it other than a bad lift looks so bad. The doctor you choose should be held to an 'artist' standard and have an excellent reputation. I bet you look just fine as you are, but whatever you choose, I hope you feel fabulous!

[katerogers]

I appreciate the vote of confidence, but, let's face it we all feel 35 inside. It's the mirrors that ruin the illusion.

Katie

[senior citizen]

........

[Bonnevie]

post-op is supposed to be excruciatingly painful. people who've had it said they wouldn't do it again. There's always the potential for nerve damage. Think very seriously before letting someone cut your face.

[jblum315]

And please don't think it will make you look 40 again. It will make you look like someone who has had work done on her face.

[senior citizen]

........

[Lark7]

Do what makes you happy !

[Parker]

I appreciate the vote of confidence, but, let's face it we all feel 35 inside. It's the mirrors that ruin the illusion.

Katie

Your picture here shows a very nice looking woman, and frankly, I don't see that second chin. Maybe you just need a new mirror and better lighting. :o

[Newbeginnings]

A friend of mine had a mini facelift, (fixed the turkey neck and a brow lift) she looks fabulous and would do it again. When she went back to work everyone thought she looked very well rested. The surgeon did a great job and it doesn't look pulled or fakey looking. Go for it, but research the Plastic Surgeon, the PS are medical licensed in the state and any complaints, lawsuits are listed. Due diligence is a must.

[katerogers]

It looks like there is no middle ground here. Of course, the Joan Rivers look is not my goal. Actually, what convinced me to go through with it was after reading the Sky magazine on a recent Delta flight. The whole issue was dedicate to the best doctors in the United States. Under the 'Plastic Surgeon' category (and the picture on the front of the magazine) the number 1 guy was a Mark Constantine. I just assumed he lived in LA or Miami or Palm Beach. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered he had an office in Nashua, New Hampshire - only an hour away from me - What were the odds?

Senior Citizen - Remembering your grandmother as 'granny' although a wonderful sentiment is exactly why I'm motivated to do this. I would rather my grandchildren remembering me as 'My Nana who held up well"

Newbeginnings - Thanks, I was hoping to hear more of these responses. Actually, I'm surprised that at the Villages - with so many at an age where we would like our outside to look a little more like our inside more would be willing to admit they had had work done and could tell me what it did for them. I'm hoping the effect is not so drastic as to end up looking like the Joker, but, to where people you know think you have a live-in facialist (is that even as word?)
Parker - You just have to know how to cock your head before the shot. But, thank you for the compliment
Hope2soon - Excruciatingly painful? None of my research has suggested that. I fact most every article suggests you might feel only mild discomfort. Did you have work done?

Katie

[redwitch]

katie, I haven't had anything done for aging but have had plastic surgery for some facial damage after an incident. It was a bit more than a mild discomfort but nothing that I couldn't live with and you'd have to have known me pre-surgery to know anything was done.

As to doing it for whatever reason, that's a personal choice. It has nothing to do with what your spouse, friends or online folks think or say -- it was what makes you happiest and most comfortable. Joan Rivers has said more than once that she doesn't regret any surgery she has had and is so comfortable with the idea that she has supported her daughter in getting plastic surgery. So, go for it and best of luck when you do!

[senior citizen]

.........

[gocubsgo]

Go have facials and stay out of the sun! DO NOT have a face lift. Once you have one, you have to have several to keep the look. Also, there is a thread started on the Lifestyle Lift where they use fishhooks and wire to pull your face back behind your ears!!

Age gracefully, tone, exercise, tons of water again NO SUN and stay away from knives. Just my 2 cents worth.

[senior citizen]

............

[graciegirl]

When I was younger, I thought I would.

Now that I am at the age I thought I would, I no longer use looks for any decisions about others or about me.

I kinda like my face. Sweetie seems to like it too.

To each his own. Her own.

[jblum315]

My husband was 68 when the first grandchild came along. He thought he wasn't old enough to be "Grandpa" and insisted on being called "Uncle Grandpa."

[njbchbum]

i would get rid of my mirrors before i would have plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons! there is nothing more beautiful than natural beauty. cosmetic beauty is simply the admission that one is not comfortable with who one has become. changing the outside really does nothing to change the inside of who we are.

if the op's avatar is a current photo - she is far from being in need of cosmetic renewal!

ps - no lie - my sister is recovering from the emotional train wreck of having given a friend of hers a ride to and from a surgi-center for a face lift...24 hrs post-op her friend died from a blood clot.

[gocubsgo]

When I was younger, I thought I would.

Now that I am at the age I thought I would, I no longer use looks for any decisions about others or about me.

I kinda like my face. Sweetie seems to like it too.

To each his own. Her own.


I personally think you are adorable!!!! :smiley:


Everyone I have ever known that has had some sort of nip and tuck on their face is miserable with the decision. It's obvious to me that someone has had something done. you can pick them out of a crowd and they look so artificial. Natural beauty and graceful aging is great as long as you take care of your skin entering that time in your life.

[wendyquat]

Be sure you are happy with your weight before having it done! A very good friend of mine had it done and went through several difficult weeks of recovery and came out looking just a tiny bit better! She went on a diet and lost 20 pounds and her face and neck were worse than before she had the lift! Good luck!

[Patty55]

I always thought I would have a tuck here and there until I saw on the Gene Simmons show where they had surgery. They were such a mess and I think Shannon looked better before.

[senior citizen]

..........

[gomsiepop]

I can't believe that there were so many responses but, not one had the answer this woman is looking for. Could one or two brave souls have a plastic surgeon in mind that Katie could research and make her own decision on whether or not to go forward with whatever enhancements she desires. Sorry I'm putting my two cents in but, I'm sure Katie is aware of the risks involved.

[hansel]

post-op is supposed to be excruciatingly painful. people who've had it said they wouldn't do it again. There's always the potential for nerve damage. Think very seriously before letting someone cut your face.Just wondering "excruciatingly painful" did you have the surgery?

[hansel]

I can't believe that there were so many responses but, not one had the answer this woman is looking for. Could one or two brave souls have a plastic surgeon in mind that Katie could research and make her own decision on whether or not to go forward with whatever enhancements she desires. Sorry I'm putting my two cents in but, I'm sure Katie is aware of the risks involved.Been there done that sent her a private note and photos.

[dotti105]

Very personal decision. Most people who have facelifts do it for themselves and their self esteem. No to "look younger" just to look more like the way they feel inside. If you do not feel like the person in the mirror, then maybe you should check out your options.
I am a RN and am very familiar with cosmetic surgery. A good surgeon will give you a fresh look. Comments should be, "Wow, you look great! Just back from vacation?" or "What are you doing differently with your hair?? You look fantastic"
A good surgeon will not leave you will obvious surgical results. Check "before and afters" and get plenty of references.
It is a very personal decision and each person has the right to choose their style of aging. We are all gonna age, all get wrinkled and grey. How long it takes and how you choose to address your own face and body as you age is your own very personal decision to make.
If you are sick and tired of looking "sick and tired", go for it!

[nitehawk]

Very personal decision. Most people who have facelifts do it for themselves and their self esteem. No to "look younger" just to look more like the way they feel inside. If you do not feel like the person in the mirror, then maybe you should check out your options.
I am a RN and am very familiar with cosmetic surgery. A good surgeon will give you a fresh look. Comments should be, "Wow, you look great! Just back from vacation?" or "What are you doing differently with your hair?? You look fantastic"
A good surgeon will not leave you will obvious surgical results. Check "before and afters" and get plenty of references.
It is a very personal decision and each person has the right to choose their style of aging. We are all gonna age, all get wrinkled and grey. How long it takes and how you choose to address your own face and body as you age is your own very personal decision to make.
If you are sick and tired of looking "sick and tired", go for it!

From your picture you do look great ---Great statement "If you are sick and tired of looking "sick and tired", go for it" I also agree with losing 40 pounds before going through a procedure, a good place to start if you want to look like you feel -- ill bet sweety would not mind__

[hansel]

dr nijar www.villagesplasticsurgery.com (http://www.villagesplasticsurgery.com) 352-750-0019


great job!!!!

he is the best.....................

[panamachica]

I had surgery last summer. Some of us just don't age as gracefully as others. The procedure I had is called 'facial rejuvenation by suspension'. Had it done by an excellent surgeon in Panama. I had very little discomfort and it corrected my turkey neck, sagging mid face, and an eye lift. Would definately do it again. Look so much better but not necessarily different. Contact me off the forum if you would like to discuss. By the way the cost was about 1/3 of what it would be in the US.

[kittygilchrist]

Kate, my new friend, I wonder if we can get a bogo?

[jblum315]

I was at a wedding once that was attended by Joan Rivers, her daughter and her mother. They looked like clones, honestly, when they were not together you couldn't tell which was which. Is this good or bad, I don't know!:1rotfl:

[DougB]

I was at a wedding once that was attended by Joan Rivers, her daughter and her mother. They looked like clones, honestly, when they were not together you couldn't tell which was which. Is this good or bad, I don't know!:1rotfl:

Eye doctor's office is thataway------>

[rockyisle]

Katie - I have that second chin - runs in the family. I always thought I'd spend some of the inheritance from my Mother to get it lifted back in place. Then I watched the procedure on line - and had an interesting discussion with an old friend from Naples, FL who had done it. While it does look great, she developed a very nasty infection after the surgery and was on massive antibiotics for over 6 months. That cured me from wanting the lift.
I know you are single and want to put your best face forward. I would urge you to look honestly at the rest of your body and realize that aging is just natural. Anyone who is going to be attracted to you in the coming years will love you for who you are - not what you look like.
Save your money and come spend more time here in TV. You'll quickly see that "love is in the air" and the guys have double chins too.

[mixsonci]

It looks like there is no middle ground here. Of course, the Joan Rivers look is not my goal. Actually, what convinced me to go through with it was after reading the Sky magazine on a recent Delta flight. The whole issue was dedicate to the best doctors in the United States. Under the 'Plastic Surgeon' category (and the picture on the front of the magazine) the number 1 guy was a Mark Constantine. I just assumed he lived in LA or Miami or Palm Beach. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered he had an office in Nashua, New Hampshire - only an hour away from me - What were the odds?

Senior Citizen - Remembering your grandmother as 'granny' although a wonderful sentiment is exactly why I'm motivated to do this. I would rather my grandchildren remembering me as 'My Nana who held up well"

Newbeginnings - Thanks, I was hoping to hear more of these responses. Actually, I'm surprised that at the Villages - with so many at an age where we would like our outside to look a little more like our inside more would be willing to admit they had had work done and could tell me what it did for them. I'm hoping the effect is not so drastic as to end up looking like the Joker, but, to where people you know think you have a live-in facialist (is that even as word?)
Parker - You just have to know how to cock your head before the shot. But, thank you for the compliment
Hope2soon - Excruciatingly painful? None of my research has suggested that. I fact most every article suggests you might feel only mild discomfort. Did you have work done?

Katie
Hi Katie, My son lives in Raymond and my sister in Kensington, so I would be very interested to hear what happens in your consult with Dr. Constantine, I have a turkey neck I would love to get rid of. Christina

[graciegirl]

[..

[manaboutown]

If you get it done, do it for yourself, not anybody else.

Where I currently reside, Newport Beach, I have seen the excellent (can't tell), good (can tell but it looks great), the bad (overdone) and the ugly (botched). Whatever you do, check out past work by the surgeon, his track record with patient complaints/problems and whether or not he is board certified. They have before and after photos of past patients. Usually the receptionist and other women who work for the surgeon have had work done for free by the surgeon. They are essentially walking billboards. The surgeon may also refer you to a past patient or two. A good surgeon will also advise you as to how good a candidate you and how good your outcome might be based on your skin, facial structure and the like. Also, it may take a year or two for your surgery to "settle" into its final look.

Above all, remember, there is risk with any surgical procedure!

[DougB]

I went in for a face lift. Doctor saw what what underneath and put it back down.

[Suzi]

I'm a plastic surgical nurse practitioner. Worked in surgery with the plastic surgeon for many, many years. A face lift is not a difficult surgery and recovery is fairly easy. A neck lift is more complicated and recovery is a bit more involved. Both surgeries can have beautiful results in the proper surgeons hands. You must do your due dillagence in looking for the right doctor. If you are in good health, you should have no problem recovering. If you are a diabetic or smoke = that can cause more risk. I would never schedule a patient for a face lift if they smoked. A face lift is a very good option for the person who wants to look as young as they feel!

[Cisco Kid]

Just don't do whatever John Kerry had done.
I hope he is not sick.
He looks bloated.
If you compare photos from a few years ago when he had laugh lines he looked a lot better.

[oldkatz]

Doctor Doctor Doctor! In large cities that have some of the best and will show you before and after photos. They also have patients that will share their experiences with you. I would not have mini or laser anythings done. If you go for it go for it all the way. There are pain meds today. My niece is RN for plastic surgeon in Chicago. Wonderful work being done and it lasts for 10 years. If done correctly it will make you look 5-10 years younger and really look well rested. eyes are critical to having that well rested look. Good luck and research before you make a move

[Karron]

I like the idea of a "group discount"!....
Maybe we can recover together so no one would stare at our bruises!
Karron
(just kidding)

[TheVillageChicken]

I speak for a large demographic. Spend the $$ on the tatas.

[duffysmom]

Just don't do whatever John Kerry had done.
I hope he is not sick.
He looks bloated.
If you compare photos from a few years ago when he had laugh lines he looked a lot better.

Cisco, that eye of yours notices everything.:laugh:

The post about infections is something to think about.

[Karron]

I speak for a large demographic. Spend the $$ on the tatas.

Well....
There are times that you have to look at her face..... if it's all wrinkled, what good are "tatas"?
(You could just get to big soft pillows!)
:icon_wink: